'Collectively raise the bar': Pandemic impacting women in the workforce

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – On International Women’s Day, leaders from around the state came together to talk about how the COVID-19 pandemic is disproportionally impacting women.

The discussion was centered around job losses among women during the pandemic and how to support.

“We know that if we continue to go with the status quo, women will suffer, but if we collectively raise the bar around what we expect, we’ll thrive,” Northwestern Mutual Senior Director of Diversity and Inclusion Irissol Arce said.

According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, 140,000 jobs were lost or eliminated in December 2020. All of which were held by women.

“Women, especially women of color, are disproportionally represented in many of those industries most effected,” NEWaukee CEO and cofounder Angela Damiani said. “Hospitality, retail and entertainment.”

Participants also talked about how women of color are being impacted, saying the pandemic is another obstacle to thrive.

“Many women of color have to grapple with negative stereotypes and attitudes that effect how they are treated at work, whether they can provide care for their families and whether they can access the quality healthcare they need without the bias and discrimination,” Arce said.

Arce suggested ways to help include being an ally, holding companies accountable to be diverse and asking for help when needed.